Sharin Masih v The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary

Sharin Masih v The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary

The Claimant entered the cell willingly, consented to the door being locked, was aware of the means to secure her release, and there was no intention by the Defendant to detain or restrict her liberty. The circumstances did not satisfy the legal tests for false imprisonment.

Parties
Claimant: Ms. Sharin Masih; Defendant: The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment After Trial on Liability
Outcome
Claim dismissed
Legal Topics
False Imprisonment, Police Powers, Appropriate Adult, Detention, Burden of Proof
Tort False Imprisonment Police Powers Appropriate Adult Detention Burden of Proof

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Parties

Ms. Sharin Masih

Claimant

The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment After Trial on Liability

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Claimant was falsely imprisoned by the Defendant when locked in a police cell as an Appropriate Adult
  2. 2 Whether the Defendant had the intention to detain the Claimant or restrict her liberty
  3. 3 Whether the Claimant consented to the door being locked

Ratio Decidendi

The Claimant entered the cell willingly, consented to the door being locked, was aware of the means to secure her release, and there was no intention by the Defendant to detain or restrict her liberty. The circumstances did not satisfy the legal tests for false imprisonment.

Court Disposition

Claim dismissed